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Resources for International Students

F&ES International Students at the 2012 Duke-Yale Environmental Recruiting Fair in Washington, DC.

Job search materials, methods and etiquette for both career full-time positions and internships in the U.S. may be quite different from those in your home country and other countries you have worked in outside of the U.S.

We encourage all of our international students to visit CDO early in the year to discuss internship and employment strategies, and to attend our career development programs as well as programs through Yale's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). There are many opportunities at Yale to learn about the job search in the U.S. and about how to build and use a career network. We encourage you to actively seek mentorship from staff, faculty and alumni, to form job-seeking support groups with other students and to actively seek advice on areas where you might need particular assistance.

Note that the job search process for international students is essentially the same as it is for U.S. students with a slightly different focus on employers and opportunities. The career development and job search skills needed are very similar.

The reality, however, is that securing employment in the United States can be a challenge for international students due to immigration laws and quotas. Therefore, we encourage our international students (those who possess a student visa and no authorization to work in the United States) to expand their career search and utilize their network to identify career options in their home country or outside of the U.S. as well as within.

Important Notes:

Know the U.S. federal regulations and procedures for being hired; review the OPT and CPT requirements and procedures posted on the Office of International Students and Scholars website
You are not eligible for U.S. government positions and positions with contractors which require U.S. federal government security clearance
You are eligible for positions that relate to your field of study and require a Bachelor's degree or higher for which you are paid the prevailing wage

Information and Forms for F-1 Students: Employment

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

Everything you need to know about OPT from the OISS website.

Information and Forms for F-1 Students: Internships (CPT)

It can take up to 90 days for USCIS to process an OPT application so plan accordingly. If you plan to travel after graduation, an early application will ensure your smooth return for employment.
Graduating students must properly file their OPT Application with USCIS no earlier than 90 days prior to the program end date and no later than 60 days after the program end date. Please note that if you depart from the U.S. during the 60 day period, your eligibility to apply for OPT ends upon your departure from the United States.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

Everything you need to know about CPT, from the OISS website.

What To Do:

Complete your F-1 Curricular Practical Training Request Form (after you have been offered your summer internship/research project).

On the form please select this option: The proposed employment is based on a degree requirement. Please describe the requirement and indicate the reference in your school’s bulletin:
In the F&ES Academic Bulletin the reference to a “required summer internship or research experience” for all two-year masters degree programs can be found at: http://www.yale.edu/printer/bulletin/htmlfiles/forestry/masters-degree-programs.html
Have your Academic Advisor sign the form (Gordon Geballe, Peter Otis or Joanne DeBernardo can substitute for your Academic Advisor in signing the form).
Take the completed form and your original I-20 form to OISS. OISS can process your form within 24 hours, but it's best if the form is given to OISS several days before needed.

Information and Forms for J-1 Students: Academic Training

J-1 students should work closely with their J-1 academic sponsor and OISS. Details can be found here.

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